Facts

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, non-profit biomedical research institution. Heather Salas-Keen worked for Jackson Laboratory, dba The Jackson Laboratory, West. On May 4, 2021, she filed a class action complaint in Sacramento Superior alleging various wage and hour claims. On June 11, 2021, she removed the case to the USDC Eastern. Then, on July 23, 2021, Daria Regester, also a former employee, provided written notice of certain labor violations to Jackson Laboratory and the Workforce Development Agency. Regester filed her complaint in Sacramento Superior on October 20, 2021. After attending mediation and deciding to settle, in line with the agreement, Regester filed an amended complaint adding Salas-Keen, who dismissed her pending complaint.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs contended that defendant violated the provisions of the Labor Code pertaining to: unpaid overtime; unpaid meal period premiums; unpaid rest period premiums; unpaid minimum wages; final wages untimely paid; non-compliant wage statements; and unreimbursed business expenses. Plaintiffs also sought Private Attorney General Act and Unfair Business Act penalties.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendant expressly denied any wrongdoing or that it was in violation of any laws. Moreover, it further denied any liability to plaintiffs or class members.

Settlement Discussions

On November 16, 2021, the parties participated in mediation with Paul Grossman and were able to reach a settlement.

Result

The case settled for $1.9 million.